Basement walkout/cellar doors?

[simpsongal]

Anyone have experience redoing this area?  We have a below grade basement - there's a door w/stairs and cellar doors.  The cinder block walls are starting to cave in - the area is moldy, dank, and there are critter droppings.

I think the previous owners redid the area, there's a drain and at one time there was a working sump pump.  We're never had a water issue there in 9 years.  Our architect is coming today to give an opinion.  Our contractor said we should open it all up, put in french doors to let light in the basement, and do a long drain across the door w/sump pump.  We're a little nervous about having it open and keeping the drain clear/sump working - though it would definitely be a nicer area.

Whatever we do, we need to redo the area, whether it's replicating what's there or making it bigger/nicer.  We had an insurance claims adjuster out but I doubt they'll pay for this - so much for my other planned projects

Advice/experience appreciated!

[juliachild]

No experience with my house doing this, but as a civil engineer, you need to hire a civil engineer. They can handle all of these questions about drainage and the retaining wall versus opening it up.

With either option, you will be dealing with draining rainwater since it will be sloping to the house.